Will my lack of sleep harm my baby?

It's understandable to assume that if you aren't sleeping well, your baby isn't either. But relax — your baby sleeps even when you're wide awake. No one knows for sure why your baby's sleep is independent of yours, although experts do know that the need to sleep is one of a human being's strongest physiological drives.

We also know that it's unlikely your baby is bothered by the same sounds that may keep you awake: Layers of skin and muscle, as well as amniotic fluid and the overriding sound of your heartbeat, insulate your baby from outside noise and routine movement. Your baby's not completely cut off from what's going on around him, of course. A loud noise or sudden movement can wake him up, and you may feel a kick or punch as a result.

Your baby's health is at risk if your lack of sleep affects your ability to function. If you fall asleep while driving, or exhaustion leads you to stumble or fall, your baby could pay the price.

Furthermore, research has found that women who get less than six hours of sleep during their last month of pregnancy are more likely to have a cesarean section and experience a longer labor than women who obtain seven or more hours of sleep. So it's well worth trying to get as much sleep as possible.

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